How You Can Pick the Best SAT Test Locations

How You Can Pick the Best SAT Test Locations SAT / ACT Prep Online Guides and Tips It may seem like there's not a lot you can do, besides studying, to improve your mental state on the day of the SAT. But there are a few key things that can make a huge difference, and one of them is where you take the test. Why does what SAT test center you choose matter so much? Well, your brain can only focus on math, reading, and writing when everything else is out of the way, and a lot of things that can get in the way have to do with logistics and environment. In this article, we'll discuss the two ways of finding convenient locations for taking the SAT. Where Can I Find the SAT Testing Centers? There are two ways to find SAT test centers. The first is more convenient but more limited, and the second is inconvenient but gives you clearer information. Option 1: Search SAT Testing Centers by State Visit this page for a search form:http://sat.collegeboard.org/register/test-center-code-search I recommend that you choose only the state and don't type in a city. (When you type a city, the site finds SAT test locations in only that city and doesn't include locations in nearby towns). Instead, choose the state, then browse for cities that are close to you. This screen shows the first two SAT centersin Massachusetts that begin with â€Å"A† for the October 2017 SAT test date. The drawbacks to this search method is that you can't search for test centers close to you but in different cities. Furthermore, this doesn't tell you whether these test locations will administer the test on the date that you're planning to take the test, or whether all seats have been taken. The next method solves both these problems. Option 2: Search for SAT Test Centers by Zip Code To find test centers closest to you by zip code, you have to start to register for the test. You don't actually have to complete registration. This method is more cumbersome but also more informative. First, visit this page, and then click "Register for the SAT." After logging in, you'll be taken to your "My SAT" page, which has a blue button labeled "Register for the SAT" on the righthand side. Once you click that button, you'll be taken to a test registration screen. You'll first have to fill out a page with your personal information (including what test date you want). You'll then be able to skip through a number of forms asking for information about your high school experience (no need to put that in now). Finally, you'll end up at section 3, "Select Test Center" At the bottom of this page, you'll see a "search by Zip code" option: This screen gives you a lot more information. First, I can see that SAT testing locations that normally administer the test don't happen to be administering this specific test. If one of these were my high school, I would suddenly have to change my plans. Secondly, there are only a limited number of seats at each location. If you register too late, you can run out. You can see that this method of search is more helpful. Why doesn't the College Board make this more informative option available publicly? Sometimes you have to wonder whether the College Board just likes making things more difficult for families. Which SAT Test Location Should I Choose? Your best choice of test location depends on a few important factors, in order of importance: How far is it, and how long does it take to travel? How familiar are you with the location and layout? Will you know other people at that location? Will that improve or worsen your performance? Are there known problems about the test center that make it problematic? We'll cover each in order. #1: How Far Is It? How Long Does It Take to Get There? The number one issue regarding test location is timing. You want to get there on timethe College Board recommends arriving at the test center no later than 7:45 a.m., unless the Admission Ticket says otherwise. This typically means you'll need to wake up early, maybe earlier than you're used to. For example, if it takes you an hour to drive to the test location, you’ll likely need to wake up around 6AM to have enough time to get energized, eat breakfast, and arrive at the site with time to spare. Keep in mind that the longer it takes to get there, the longer the delay might be. A 10 minute drive might be delayed only by 5 minutes, but a 60 minute drive can be delayed by 30 minutes. Recommendation:Generally try to choose locations that are closer to where you live. #2: How Familiar Are You With the Location and Layout? On the day of the test, you want as little stress as possible so you can fully concentrate on the test. If you've traveled to the location before, then chances are much lower that you'll get confused by directions or run into unexpected construction. On the other hand, traveling to an unfamiliar location might cause you to be stressed, which might not wear off until well into the test. Similarly, knowing the layout of the location is helpful during bathroom breaks. Because you only get a few minutes to use the bathroom and eat a snack, getting lost in the hallways can be anxiety-provoking. Because test centers often don't provide clear signs to the bathroom and back to the classroom, it's possible to lose your way. Recommendation: Choose a location that you’re familiar with, both in travel and layout. If you must choose an unfamiliar location, visit it to get familiar with it, or budget extra time the day of the test to get there earlier and learn the layout. #3: Will You Know Other People at That Location? If you choose your local high school like most students, you’ll likely run into a lot of people you know. Depending on what type of person you are, this can be a good or bad thing. To some, being around friends is helpful. It relieves stress, and chatting during breaks helps them feel less nervous about the importance of the test. To these people, going to an unfamiliar location with strangers actually causes more anxiety and puts them on edge. To others, the opposite is true - being around friends for the SAT is more stressful than being around strangers. You might want as little distraction as possible, and talking to your friends might make you lose concentration You want to relax silently during breaks, but you don’t want to give the impression that you’re rudely brushing off your friends. Plus, what if you take the test in the same room as your crush? It might be hard to take the test with the person close by. Which group do you fit into? Each person is different, so decide accordingly. Recommendation: If being around friends on test day is helpful, register at your high school. If it’s stressful, register elsewhere, keeping in mind the location and layout factors above. #4: Are You Aware of Issues With the Test Center? You'll usually be able to predict problems only if you're taking the test at your high school. Here are problems that you should think about: Temperature control: do you know if the location can maintain a temperature that’s comfortable for you? Or are the thermostats always malfunctioning? Windows: do you tend to feel claustrophobic in this location, and might the presence of windows help you relax? Testing environment: do you know if the location has noises, smells, or other factors that might be distracting? Maybe the desks tend to be uneven, or the chairs uncomfortable? Recommendation: Avoid testing centers with known problems. For most students, they'll take the SAT at their high school, if possible. But this isn't always the best option. Should I Take the SAT At My High School? Most students, if given the choice, take the SAT at their high school. While this does give you automatic familiarity with the building(s) and how to get there, it can have significant mental downsides. You should NOT take the SAT at your high school if: Seeing people you know causes you more stress or makes you break concentration. There's another location that's significantly closer to your home. If you can save 10 minutes or more of travel time, this can be worth it. You already know of problems at your high school, like a nearby construction project. Being in the same environment as where you spend most of your day causes you to lose focus or doze off. I feel strongly about this topic because it made a huge difference for me. When I took my second SAT, all the slots at my high school were full, so I chose a high school about 30 minutes away. The drive was relaxing, and it felt totally neutral, a buffer between the SAT and the rest of my life. My test location didn't feel like school; it was a big concrete building and nothing was familiar, so my mind was a blank slate. The previous year, I'd scored a 1440 (of 1600) on the SAT I took at my own high school. I didn't do any prep between the two SATs I took, but on the test I took half an hour away, I got a perfect score. 5 SAT Test Location Tips #1: Check Your Messages for Cancellation Notifications Read all your mail and email in the weeks leading up to the test.If your test center is canceled for your test date, this is how you will be notified and given an alternative.Your test center might be canceled for a number of reasons.One possible cancellation happens when too few students sign up to test there. If that, or anything else they control, changes, you will be notified and given an alternative. They also cancel locations where weather makes it dangerous for students to travel. In these cases, the cancellation will be announced on Friday night and Saturday morning on this website. #2: Pre-Visit the Test Center If you're registering in an unfamiliar location, consider visiting it days before the test. This will make sure you've traveled the route once before. You can also check out the facilities and environment so you have an idea of what to expect. #3: Structure Your Travel Time If your SAT test center is close by, then great! You'll be able to take more time to sleep and won't have as much time to stress on your way there. If you have to travel 30 minutes or more to get to your SAT test location, though, you might end up wasting the whole trip fretting about the test without actually accomplishing anything. Instead of giving into anxiety, take these three actions: Pack a breakfast to eat on the way there. This can save you some time so you don't have to wake up extra early. Because the ride is long, you have more opportunities to feel anxious. Pack along music that relaxes you and makes you feel confident. Try to review notes on your way there. This will keep your mind tuned, especially since you have to wake up earlier than normal. #4: Make Sure You Select the Right Test Center You can change your testing location after registration, but it'll cost you $28, and by that point seats at other locations might be limited. #5: Be Careful About Taking Tests in a Different State If you live near a state line, you may want to consider which state you'd prefer to take your test in, because their laws differ. Some states mandate reporting scores to scholarship agencies, for example, and California and New York have special rules about the information test-takers must be given. If you want to take the SAT in a different state, make sure you know their regulations! What's Next? Now that you know where to take the test, find out WHEN the best SAT test dates are. What's a good SAT score? Read our step by step guide to figure out what score you should aim for. Want to learn more about the SAT but tired of reading blog articles? Then you'll love our free, SAT prep livestreams. Designed and led by PrepScholar SAT experts, these live video events are a great resource for students and parents looking to learn more about the SAT and SAT prep. Click on the button below to register for one of our livestreams today!

Facts About Muscle Tissue

Facts About Muscle Tissue Muscle tissue is made of excitable cells that are capable of contraction. Of all the different tissue types (muscle, epithelial, connective, and nervous), muscle tissue is the most abundant tissue in most animals, including in humans. Muscle Tissue Types Muscle tissue contains numerous microfilaments composed of the contractile proteins actin and myosin. These proteins are responsible for movement in muscles. The three major types of muscle tissue are: Cardiac Muscle: Cardiac muscle is so named because it is found in the heart. Cells are joined to one another by intercalated discs, which allow the synchronization of the heartbeat. Cardiac muscle is branched, striated muscle. The heart wall consists of three layers: epicardium, myocardium, and endocardium. Myocardium is the middle muscular layer of the heart. Myocardial muscle fibers carry electrical impulses through the heart that power cardiac conduction.  Skeletal Muscle: Skeletal muscle, which is attached to the bones by tendons, is controlled by the peripheral nervous system and associated with the bodys voluntary movements. Skeletal muscle is striated muscle. Unlike cardiac muscle, the cells are not branched. Skeletal muscle cells are covered by connective tissue, which protects and supports muscle fiber bundles. Blood vessels and nerves run through the connective tissue, supplying muscle cells with oxygen and nerve impulses that allow for muscle contraction. Skeletal muscle is organized into several muscle groups that work in coordination to perform body movements. Some of these groupings include head and neck muscles (facial expressions, chewing, and neck movement), trunk muscles (moving the chest, back, abdomen, and vertebral column), upper extremity muscles (moving the shoulders, arms, hands, and fingers), and lower extremity muscles (moving the legs, ankles, feet, and toes). Visceral (Smooth) Muscle: Visceral muscle is found in various parts of the body including the blood vessels, the bladder, and the digestive tract as well as in many other hollow organs. Like cardiac muscle, most visceral muscle is regulated by the autonomic nervous system and is under involuntary control. Visceral muscle is also called smooth muscle because it doesnt have cross striations. Visceral muscle contracts slower than skeletal muscle, but the contraction can be sustained over a longer period of time. Organs of the cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, and reproductive systems are lined with smooth muscle. This muscle can be described as rhythmic or tonic. Rhythmic, or phasic, smooth muscle contracts periodically and spends most of the time in a relaxed state. Tonic smooth muscle remains contracted for the majority of the time and only relaxes periodically. Other Facts About Muscle Tissue Adults have a certain number of muscle cells. Through exercise, such as weight lifting, the cells enlarge but the overall number of cells does not increase. Skeletal muscles are voluntary muscles because we have control over their contraction. Our brains control skeletal muscle movement. However, reflex reactions of skeletal muscle are an exception. These are involuntary reactions to external stimuli. Visceral muscles are involuntary because, for the most part, they are not consciously controlled. Smooth and cardiac muscles are under the control of the peripheral nervous system.

Japanese Attacks on Pearl Harbor Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Japanese Attacks on Pearl Harbor - Essay Example Pearl Harbor resulted in American participation in World War II. On the next day of attack, US declared war against Japan with equal support of American congress. US did not respond as per the requirements because US had already promised Britain support against Germany. Aim of this paper is to study the reasons that compelled Japan to launch a surprise attack on US naval forces in pacific with a view to study American response to Pearl Harbor attack. Japan moved its aircraft carriers for about 4000 miles deep into the ocean to help the air force to take off for launching attack on Pearl Harbor. The dawn of 7 December 1941 witnessed the destruction of American naval fleet at Pearl Harbor. It was a great the in the history of military combats. Japanese air force launched attack in two waves. Japan used six aircraft carries for launching its air force against the US fleet (Clausen & Lee 2001). Japanese air force played havoc in the first wave and caused sudden destruction of American battleships. Total destruction could not be caused as main air craft carriers of American naval forces were sailing hundred miles away from the Pearl Harbor. Commander Mitsuo led the attack on Pearl Harbor. Attack caused 3500 hundred death and wound injuries to American troops. Eight main battleships including USS Arizona were destroyed in the attack (Borch & Martinez 2005). US Arizona got blasted because of fire in ammunition magazine of the ship and then sunk in a short time. There were numerous objectives behind Japanese attack on pacific fleet. ... US Arizona got blasted because of fire in ammunition magazine of the ship and then sunk in a short time. There were numerous objectives behind Japanese attack on pacific fleet. Main reasons of attack were as under. US president Roosevelt had imposed economic and military sanctions on Japan in retaliation to Chinese invasion by Japan American continuously warned Japan to end the war in China through peaceful negotiations (Prange, et al 1988). All exports of oil, robber and iron were banned on Japan. This started severely damaging economy of Japan. Japan could no longer bear the crippling effects of American sanctions on it s economy and military. Sanctions put real strain on oil supply to Japan as Japan lost more than 90% of oil supplies due to crippling sanctions (Clausen & Lee 2001). These American sanctions filled hatred for Americans in the hearts of Japanese and they started preparing for teaching America a bitter lesson in Pearl Harbor. Breakout of Second World War cleared the w estern intentions towards Japan. Japanese government had noticed western hostilities towards its territory (Wohlstetter 1962). This made Japan more vigilant for its security in the region. Japan never wanted its forces to withdraw from China. US were pressing hard to start negotiations with Chinese authorities to end the conflict. Japan was not ready to take serious notice of American protest against the invasion of China. Japan was keen in expanding its borders for economic needs (Morison 2001). US never wanted expansion of Japan because of its own vested interests in the region. Japan also adopted the diplomatic way to convince US but US did not agree on Japan’s terms. Japan wanted its territorial expansion in Asia, free of American